Cargo pallet having a pallet extension

ABSTRACT

A cargo pallet is disclosed. The cargo pallet may have a pallet base. The cargo pallet may also have a pallet liner. The pallet liner may have a pallet liner base. The pallet liner base may be positioned on the pallet base. The pallet liner may also have a pallet extension, which may be fixedly attached to the pallet liner base. The pallet extension may project outwardly from the pallet liner base. The pallet extension may also have a support surface that may at least in part extend outwardly beyond a footprint of the pallet base.

FIELD

The present disclosure relates generally to a cargo pallet, and moreparticularly, to a cargo pallet having a pallet extension. Thedisclosure also includes cargo pallets in which the pallet extension isin the form of a platform.

BACKGROUND

Shippers transport a significant amount of freight these days usingcargo aircraft or in the cargo holds of passenger aircraft. Because ofthe high costs associated with transporting cargo by air, shippers tryto arrange the cargo in the cargo hold so as to utilize as much of thevolume of the cargo hold of an aircraft as possible. Typically,individual packages of cargo are accommodated in a container, which isthen loaded into the cargo hold of the aircraft. Such containers, calledunit load devices (ULDs) are commonly used in the freight industry. SomeULDs are shaped to conform to the interior contours of a cargo hold.

The side and top walls of the ULDs, however, limit access to the innervolume of the ULDs during loading of the packages into the ULDs.Moreover, the side and top walls of the ULDs themselves occupy somevolume, which is not available for placing packages in the ULDs. Someshippers use cargo pallets instead of ULDs. Cargo pallets are typicallysquare or rectangular flat structures on which packages can be stacked.A cargo net is often used to cover the stacked packages. The net issecured to the sides of the pallet to ensure that the packages are notdislodged from the cargo pallet.

Shippers also sometimes employ a modified cargo pallet that has angledpanels extending from two edges of the cargo pallet. The angled panelsallow for additional space for stacking the packages making up thecargo. To ensure that the angled panels can support the weight of thepackages loaded on to the modified pallet, the angled panels aretypically connected to the base of the pallet, using support cables orother bars. These support cables or bars, however, are prone to severedamage during loading or movement of the pallet using, for example, afork lift vehicle or a crane. The support cables or bars also limitaccess to the base of the cargo pallet during placement of packages onthe cargo pallet, making it difficult to use all of the available spaceon the pallet.

The cargo pallet of the present disclosure represents an improvementover the prior art and solves one or more of the problems set forthabove and/or other problems of the prior art.

SUMMARY

In one aspect, the present disclosure is directed to a cargo pallet. Thecargo pallet may include a pallet base. The cargo pallet may alsoinclude a pallet liner. The pallet liner may include a pallet liner basethat may be positioned on the pallet base. The pallet liner may alsoinclude a pallet extension, which may be fixedly attached to the palletliner base. The pallet extension may project outwardly from the palletliner base. The pallet extension may have a support surface that may atleast in part extend outwardly beyond a footprint of the pallet base.

In another aspect, the present disclosure is directed to another cargopallet. The cargo pallet may include a pallet base. The cargo pallet mayalso include a pallet liner positioned on the pallet base. Further, thecargo pallet may include a pallet extension fixedly attached to thepallet liner. The pallet extension may project outwardly from the palletliner. The pallet extension may include a support surface that at leastin part extends outwardly beyond a footprint of the pallet base. Thepallet extension may be attached to an outer periphery of the palletliner. The pallet extension may be disposed at an inclination relativeto the pallet liner without being connected to the pallet base and thepallet extension may include the support surface. The pallet liner baseand the support surface may at least partially define a space forreceiving cargo.

In yet another aspect the present disclosure is directed to yet anothercargo pallet. The cargo pallet may include a generally rectangularpallet base. The cargo pallet may also include a generally rectangularpallet liner positioned on the pallet base. The pallet liner may overlapat least a portion of the pallet base. The cargo pallet may include aplatform connected to the pallet base or to the pallet liner along onlyone side of the pallet liner without being connected to the pallet base.The platform may include a support plate disposed generally parallel tothe pallet liner. The platform may also include a side plate disposedgenerally inclined to the pallet liner. The side plate may be connectedat one end to the one side of the pallet liner and connected at anopposite end to the support plate. The platform may further include awall extending from the support plate toward the pallet liner base. Thewall may include a seating member abutting on the pallet liner. Thesupport plate and the pallet liner may at least partially define a spacefor receiving cargo.

In another aspect the present disclosure is directed to another cargopallet. The cargo pallet may include a generally rectangular palletbase. The cargo pallet may also include a platform connected to thepallet base along only one side of the pallet base. The platform mayinclude a platform base disposed on the pallet base. The platform mayalso include a support plate disposed generally parallel to the palletbase and spaced apart from the platform base. The platform may furtherinclude a side plate disposed generally inclined to the pallet base. Theside plate may be connected at one end to the platform base andconnected at an opposite end to the support plate. In addition, theplatform may include an end wall extending from the support plate to thepallet base. The platform and the pallet base may at least partiallydefine a space for receiving cargo.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

The accompanying drawings, which are incorporated in and constitute apart of this disclosure, illustrate exemplary disclosed embodiments ofthe present disclosure and, together with the description, serve toexplain the principles of the present disclosure. In the drawings:

FIG. 1 is a fragmentary view of an exemplary cargo hold;

FIG. 2 is a perspective view of an exemplary disclosed cargo pallet;

FIG. 3 is an exploded perspective view of the cargo pallet of FIG. 2,showing a pallet base and a pallet liner above the pallet base;

FIG. 4 is a magnified fragmentary view of a corner portion of anexemplary disclosed pallet base of the cargo pallet of FIG. 2;

FIG. 5 is a perspective view illustrating an exemplary disclosedfastener of the cargo pallet of FIG. 2;

FIG. 6A is a fragmentary cross-sectional view of an exemplary cargopallet of FIG. 2;

FIG. 6B is a fragmentary cross-sectional view illustrating an exemplarystrut and associated support structure which may be used with the cargopallet of FIG. 2;

FIG. 6C is a magnified cross-sectional view illustrating assembly of anexemplary structural support or strut of FIG. 6B;

FIG. 7 is a perspective view of an exemplary cargo pallet of FIG. 2loaded with packages;

FIG. 8 is an exploded perspective view of another exemplary disclosedcargo pallet;

FIG. 9 is a perspective view of yet another exemplary disclosed cargopallet.

FIG. 10 is an exploded perspective view of the exemplary disclosed cargopallet of FIG. 9;

FIG. 11A is a fragmentary cross-sectional view of the exemplary cargopallet of FIG. 9;

FIG. 11B is a fragmentary cross-sectional view illustrating an exemplarystructural support or strut which may be used with the cargo pallet ofFIG. 9;

FIG. 12 is an exploded perspective view of yet another exemplarydisclosed cargo pallet;

FIG. 13 is a perspective view of another exemplary disclosed cargopallet;

FIG. 14 is another perspective view of the exemplary cargo pallet ofFIG. 13; and

FIG. 15 is a magnified view of the attachment mechanism used to attachan exemplary platform to a pallet base of the exemplary cargo pallet ofFIGS. 13 and 14.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION

FIG. 1 illustrates a fragmentary view of an exemplary cargo hold 10. Inone exemplary embodiment as illustrated in FIG. 1, cargo hold 10 may bedisposed within an aircraft 12. Aircraft 12 may be a cargo aircraft, apassenger aircraft, a military transport aircraft, or any other type ofaircraft capable of transporting cargo. It is also contemplated that insome exemplary embodiments, cargo hold 10 may be disposed within a ship,on a vehicle capable of travelling on land, or in a cargo container,which may be transported by an aircraft, by a ship, and or by aland-based vehicle.

Cargo hold 10 may include a floor 14, a ceiling 16, side walls 18, andcontoured side walls 20, which may define a cargo volume 22. Floor 14may include loading equipment 24. In one exemplary embodiment, loadingequipment 24 may include rollers (not shown) that may help roll ULDs orcargo pallets into cargo volume 22. It is contemplated that loadingequipment may take the form of ramps, conveyor belts, rails, or othertype of loading mechanisms to help move cargo into cargo volume 22. Itis also contemplated that in some exemplary embodiments, floor 14 maynot include loading equipment 24.

Ceiling 16 may be disposed opposite floor 14. Side walls 18 may extendfrom ceiling 16 towards floor 14. In one exemplary embodiment asillustrated in FIG. 1, cargo hold 10 may have at least two side walls 18disposed spaced apart from each other. Side walls 18 may have a planaror curved shape. Contoured side walls 20 may extend from side walls 18to floor 14. In one exemplary embodiment, when cargo hold 10 is disposedin an aircraft 12, side walls 18 and contoured side walls 20 may have agenerally curved shape corresponding to the shape of an aircraft cabinor cargo bay.

FIG. 2 illustrates a perspective view of an exemplary disclosed cargopallet 30. As illustrated in FIG. 2, cargo pallet 30 may include palletbase 38, pallet liner 40, and one or more connectors 42. Pallet liner 40may be positioned on pallet base 38. Positioning pallet liner 40 onpallet base 38 may include placing pallet liner 40 on pallet base 38.Positioning pallet liner 40 on pallet base 38 may at least partiallydefine a space for receiving cargo. For example, pallet base 38 andpallet liner 40 may define a space in which one or more packages may bearranged for loading in cargo hold 10. Positioning pallet liner 40 onpallet base 38 may increase the available space in which a shipper maystack packages on cargo pallet 30. As shown in FIG. 2, pallet liner 40provides additional structural support on at least two sides of cargopallet 30 so that the packages may be stacked on top of each otherwithout the packages falling from or being dislodged from cargo pallet30. As explained in more detail below, after the packages are loadedonto cargo pallet 30, a cargo net may be placed over the load andattached to cargo pallet 30, before cargo pallet 30 and the load areplaced in cargo hold 10 for transporting cargo pallet 30 with the load.

As illustrated in FIG. 2, pallet liner 40 may be detachable (orremovable) from pallet base 38 and may be positioned directly onto thepallet base. As explained in more detail below, pallet liner 40 includesextensions that extend beyond the footprint of pallet base 38 andincrease the surface available to support the packages and/or othermaterials that may be loaded onto cargo pallet 30. Pallet liner 40 maybe detachably (or removably) connected to pallet base 38 via one or moreconnectors 42. It is contemplated, however, that in some exemplaryembodiments, pallet liner 40 may be fixedly attached to pallet base 38by, for example, riveting, welding, brazing, with an adhesive, or byother means of attachment. It is also contemplated that in someexemplary embodiments, pallet liner 40 may be positioned on pallet base38 without being fixedly or detachably connected to pallet base 38.

Pallet base 38 and pallet liner 40 have been illustrated in FIG. 2 ashaving generally rectangular shapes. In the embodiment shown, palletbase 38 and a base of pallet liner 40 may have the same general shapeand size, with the base of the pallet liner 40 fitting onto pallet base38, with the exterior portions of the pallet base 38 extending slightlybeyond the base of pallet liner 40. It is contemplated, however, thatpallet base 38 and pallet liner 40 may have any shape. It is alsocontemplated that a shape of pallet liner 40 may be the same as ordifferent from that of pallet base 38.

FIG. 3 illustrates an exploded perspective view of cargo pallet 30.Connectors 42 have been omitted from FIG. 3 to improve clarity. Asillustrated in the exemplary embodiment of FIG. 3, pallet base 38 mayhave a shape defined by sides 44, 46, 48, and 50, which may define afootprint of pallet base 38. Sides 44 and 46 may be spaced apart fromeach other and may be disposed opposite each other. Sides 48 and 50 mayalso be spaced apart from each other and may be disposed opposite eachother. Sides 48 and 50 may each connect sides 44 and 46. In oneexemplary embodiment as illustrated in FIG. 3, sides 44 and 46 may bedisposed generally parallel to each other, and sides 48 and 50 may bedisposed generally parallel to each other. In another exemplaryembodiment as illustrated in FIG. 3, in which pallet base 38 may have agenerally rectangular shape, sides 44 and 46 may be disposed generallyperpendicular to sides 48 and 50. Pallet base 38 may also include uppersurface 52 and lower surface 54. As used in this disclosure the term“generally perpendicular” encompasses mechanical structures that areoriented at angles ranging between 90°±1° relative to each other.

FIG. 4 illustrates a magnified fragmentary view of corner 56 formed bysides 44 and 48 of pallet base 38. As illustrated in FIG. 4, each ofsides 44, 46, 48, and 50 may include rail 58. Rail 58 may be disposedalong each of sides 44, 46, 48, and 50. Rail 58 may be generallyU-shaped and may include slot 60 extending along a length of rail 58.Rail 58 may have rail base 62 disposed nearer to lower surface 54 ofpallet base 38 compared to upper surface 52 of pallet base 38. Rail 58may include projections 64 extending from rail base 62 towards uppersurface 52. Projections 64 may be spaced apart from each other and maybe disposed on opposing sides of rail base 62. Each projection 64 mayhave stem portion 66 and ledge 68. Stem portion 66 may extend outwardlyfrom rail base 62 to stem distal end 70. In one exemplary embodiment asillustrated in FIG. 4, stem portion 66 may be disposed generallyperpendicular to rail base 62. Ledges 68 of projections 64 may extendtowards each other from stem distal ends 70. In one exemplary embodimentas illustrated in FIG. 4, ledges 68 may be disposed generallyperpendicular to stem portions 66. It is contemplated, however, that insome exemplary embodiments, ledges 68 may be inclined relative to stemportions 66. As used in this disclosure the term inclined indicates thatan acute angle between two inclined structures may range between about5° and 85°.

Stem portions 66 and ledges 68 may form a generally inverted T-shapedslot 60. Thus, for example, slot 60 may include neck 72 and slot base74, which may be wider than neck 72. Slot base 74 may be disposedbetween rail base 62 and ledges 68. Neck 72 may extend from slot base 74through a thickness of each ledge 68.

As also illustrated in FIG. 4, slot 60 may include openings 76, whichmay be spaced apart from each other. A spacing between openings 76 maybe uniform or non-uniform. Each opening 76 may have a generally circularshape although other shapes are also contemplated. Openings 76 mayextend through a thickness of ledges 68 and may connect with slot base74. It is contemplated that slot 60 and openings 76 may help attachother components (not shown) to pallet base 38 via one or morefasteners. For example, a head (not shown) of a bolt (not shown) may bedisposed in slot base 74 between rail base 62 and ledges 68 so that thebolt may project outward from slot 60 through opening 76. A nut (notshown) may engage with the outwardly projecting bolt to attach othercomponents to pallet base 38. Although only one corner 56 is illustratedin FIG. 4, it is contemplated that corners 56 may also be disposed atthe intersections of sides 44 and 50, sides 46 and 48, and sides 46 and50 of pallet base 38.

Returning to FIG. 3, pallet liner 40 may include pallet liner base 80and one or more pallet extensions 82. In one exemplary embodiment asillustrated in FIG. 3, pallet liner base 80 may have a shape defined bysides 84, 86, 88, and 90. Sides 84, 86, 88, and 90 may define an outerperiphery 92 of pallet liner base 80. Sides 84 and 86 may be spacedapart from each other and may be disposed opposite each other. Sides 88and 90 may also be spaced apart from each other and may be disposedopposite each other. Sides 88 and 90 may each connect sides 84 and 86.In one exemplary embodiment, sides 84 and 86 may be disposed generallyparallel to each other, and sides 88 and 90 may be disposed generallyparallel to each other. In another exemplary embodiment as illustratedin FIG. 3, in which pallet liner base 80 may have a generallyrectangular shape, sides 84 and 86 may be disposed generallyperpendicular to sides 88 and 90. As also illustrated in the exemplaryembodiment of FIG. 3, sides 84, 86, 88, and 90 of pallet liner base 80may be disposed generally parallel to sides 44, 46, 48, and 50,respectively, of pallet base 38. Pallet liner base 80 may also includeliner upper surface 94 and liner lower surface 96, which may be disposedopposite upper surface 52 of pallet base 38. In one exemplary embodimentpallet liner 40 may be disposed on pallet base 38 so that liner lowersurface 96 may abut on upper surface 52 of pallet base 38. A size ofpallet liner base 80 may be about equal to or different from a size ofpallet base 38.

Pallet liner base 80 may include one or more notches 98. As illustratedin the exemplary embodiment of FIG. 3, notches 98 may be disposed alongsides 84 and 86 of pallet liner base 80. A spacing between notches 98may be uniform or non-uniform. It is also contemplated that a number ofnotches 98 along sides 84 and 86 may be equal or unequal. Each notch 98may extend from liner upper surface 94 towards liner lower surface 96.It is contemplated that a depth of notch 98 may be smaller than athickness of pallet liner 40. Thus, for example, as illustrated in FIG.3, notch upper surface 100 may be disposed vertically offset from linerupper surface 94 and may be disposed between liner upper surface 94 andliner lower surface 96. It is contemplated that notches 98 may have asquare, circular, semicircular, elliptical, polygonal, or other shape.In some exemplary embodiments, notches 98 on side 84 may be disposeddirectly opposite notches 98 on side 86. In other exemplary embodiments,notches 98 on side 84 may be disposed in a staggered arrangement betweennotches 98 on side 86. As will be described in detail below, notches 98may allow pallet liner base 80 to be detachably connected to pallet base38 at one or both of opposing and spaced apart sides 44 and 46 of palletbase 38.

As illustrated in the exemplary embodiment of FIG. 3, pallet extensions82 may project outwardly from an outer periphery 92 of pallet liner base80. In some exemplary embodiments, pallet extensions 82 may be fixedlyattached to pallet liner base 80. As illustrated in the exemplaryembodiment of FIG. 3, pallet extensions 82 may be fixed to outerperiphery 92 of pallet liner base 80 at each of sides 88 and 90 ofpallet liner base 80. Each pallet extension 82 may include supportsurface 102, which may support one or more packages. As illustrated inFIG. 3, support surfaces 102 of pallet extensions 82 may be fixed toouter periphery 92 of pallet liner base 80 at sides 88 and 90. Palletextension 82 and support surface 102 may at least in part extendoutwardly beyond a footprint of pallet liner base 80 and also beyond afootprint of the pallet base 38. In one exemplary embodiment asillustrated in FIG. 3, the footprint of pallet liner base 80 may bedefined by sides 84, 86, 88, and 90. As also illustrated in theexemplary embodiment of FIG. 3, pallet extension 82 and support surface102 may be generally inclined relative to pallet liner base 80.

In one exemplary embodiment, pallet extension 82 and support surface 102may be inclined at an angle ranging between about 30° and about 45°relative to pallet liner base 80. The inclination of pallet extension 82may be chosen to conform generally to the shape of a wall of cargo hold10 into which cargo pallet 30 may be loaded. As used in this disclosure,the term about connotes typical manufacturing or machining tolerances.Thus, for example, the term “about 30°” connotes angles ranging between30°±1°. It is contemplated that in some embodiments, pallet extension 82and support surface 102 may be generally co-planar with pallet linerbase 80. As used in this disclosure the term “generally co-planar”encompasses mechanical structures that are oriented at angles rangingbetween 0°±1° relative to each other. In yet other exemplaryembodiments, pallet extension 82 and support surface 102 may be disposedgenerally perpendicular to pallet liner base 80.

In one exemplary embodiment as illustrated in FIG. 3, pallet extension82 and support surface 102 may have a generally rectangular shape. It iscontemplated, however, that pallet extension 82 and support surface 102may have a triangular, polygonal, circular, elliptical, or other shape.Although two pallet extensions 82 disposed opposite to each other andspaced apart from each other are illustrated in FIG. 3, it iscontemplated that in some exemplary embodiments, cargo pallet 30 mayhave only one pallet extension 82 extending outwardly from one of sides88 or 90 of pallet liner base 80. It is also contemplated that in otherexemplary embodiments, cargo pallet 30 may have any number of palletextensions 82 extending outwardly from outer periphery 92 of palletliner base 80.

FIG. 5 illustrates a perspective view of an exemplary connector 42.Connector 42 may include bracket 104 which may be connected to one ormore of openings 76 via one or more fasteners 106. Bracket 104 mayinclude pallet base portion 108 and pallet liner portion 110. Palletbase portion 108 and pallet liner portion 110 may both be planar platelike members. Pallet base portion 108 may be vertically offset relativeto pallet liner portion 110 along a thickness of bracket 104. Palletliner portion 110 may be disposed within notch 98 of pallet liner base80. For example, as illustrated in FIG. 5, lower surface 112 of palletliner portion 110 may abut on notch upper surface 100, such that palletliner base 80 of pallet liner 40 may be slidingly disposed betweenbracket 104 and pallet base 38.

Pallet base portion 108 of bracket 104 may include an opening (notshown) through which fastener 106 may pass to connect bracket 104 withpallet base 38. In one exemplary embodiment as illustrated in FIG. 5,fastener 106 may include bolt 114, which may pass through opening 76 inrail 58 of pallet base 38 and through the opening in pallet base portion108. Nut 116 may engage with bolt 114 to detachably connect bracket 104to rail 58 of pallet base 38. Tightening nut 116 may help ensure thatpallet liner base 80 of pallet liner 40 may be sandwiched betweenbracket 104 and pallet base 38. It is contemplated that pallet liner 40may be detachably attached to pallet base 38 via any number ofconnectors 42.

Although a particular geometry of connector 42 has been illustrated inFIG. 5 and described above, the scope of the present disclosure is notlimited to the disclosed embodiment of connector 42. Pallet liner 40 maybe detachably attached to pallet base 38 in many different ways. Forexample, in some exemplary embodiments, pallet liner 40 may includeopenings (not shown), and fastener 106 may pass through openings 76 inpallet base 38 and the openings in pallet liner 40 to attach palletliner 40 to pallet base 38. Many other types of connectors and orclamping mechanisms may be used to detachably connect pallet liner 40 topallet base 38.

FIG. 6A illustrates a fragmentary cross-sectional view along axis A-A(see FIG. 2) of an exemplary embodiment of cargo pallet 30. Only aportion of the cross-section of cargo pallet 30 is illustrated in FIG.6A for clarity. As illustrated in FIG. 6A, pallet liner base 80 may bepositioned on pallet base 38. Pallet extension 82 may be attached topallet liner base 80 and may extend outwardly from pallet liner base 80.In one exemplary embodiment as illustrated in FIG. 6A, pallet extension82 may be connected only to pallet liner base 80 without being connectedto any portion of pallet base 38. As also illustrated in the exemplaryembodiment of FIG. 6A, pallet extension 82 and pallet liner base 80 mayform a unitary integrated structure. A shape and material composition ofpallet liner base 80 and pallet extension 82 may be selected such thatpallet liner 40 may be able to support the weight of the packages loadedon cargo pallet 30 without the need for any additional support membersor structures. In one exemplary embodiment, pallet liner 40 may be madeout of a metal composite of aluminum or steel.

FIG. 6B illustrates a fragmentary cross-sectional view along axis A-A(see FIG. 2) of another exemplary embodiment of cargo pallet 30. Only aportion of the cross-section of cargo pallet 30 is illustrated in FIG.6B for clarity. As illustrated in FIG. 6B, pallet liner base 80 may bepositioned on pallet base 38. Pallet extension 82 may be attached topallet liner base 80 and may extend outwardly from pallet liner base 80.Pallet extension 82 may also be connected to pallet base 38 via one ormore structural supports or struts 120. For example, pallet extension 82may be connected to rail 58 on one or both of sides 48 and 50 of palletbase 38 via one or more struts 120, which may connect a portion of outersurface 124 of pallet extension 82 with a portion of pallet base 38.

As illustrated in FIG. 6B, outer surface 124 of pallet extension 82 maybe generally inclined relative to pallet liner base 80. Rail 122 may bedisposed on outer surface 124 of pallet extension 82. Rail 122 mayextend generally parallel to sides 88 and/or 90 of pallet liner base 80,and along a length of pallet extension 82. Rail 122 may have a structureand function similar to that of rail 58. For example, like rail 58, rail122 may be generally U-shaped and may include slot 126 extending along alength of rail 122. Rail 122 may have rail base 128 disposed adjacentouter surface 124. In some exemplary embodiments, outer surface 124 ofpallet extension 82 may be shaped to conform generally with side wall 18and/or contoured side wall 20 of cargo hold 10. Rail 122 may alsoinclude projections 130 extending outward from rail base 128 towardspallet liner base 80. Projections 130 may be spaced apart from eachother and may be disposed on opposite sides of rail 122. Each projection130 may have stem portion 132 and a ledge 134. Stem portion 132 mayextend outward from rail base 128 to stem distal end 136. In oneexemplary embodiment as illustrated in FIG. 6B, stem portion 132 may bedisposed generally perpendicular to rail base 128. In other exemplaryembodiments, stem portion 132 may be inclined relative to rail base 128.Ledges 134 of projections 130 may extend towards each other from stemdistal ends 136. In one exemplary embodiment as illustrated in FIG. 6B,ledges 134 may be disposed generally perpendicular to stem portions 132.In other exemplary embodiments, ledges 134 may be inclined relative tostem portions 132.

Stem portions 132 and ledges 134 may form a generally T-shaped slot 126.Thus, for example, slot 126 may include neck 138 and slot base 140,which may be wider than neck 138. Slot base 140 may be disposed betweenrail base 128 and ledges 134. Neck 138 may extend from slot base 140through a thickness of each ledge 134. Like the exemplary embodiment ofFIG. 6A, pallet extension 82 and pallet liner base 80 of the embodimentillustrated in FIG. 6B may form a unitary integrated structure. In oneexemplary embodiment, pallet liner 40 may be made out of a metalcomposite of aluminum or steel.

FIG. 6C illustrates a magnified fragmentary cross-sectional view of anexemplary structural support or strut 120 connected at one end to palletextension 82 and connected at an opposite end to pallet base 38. In someexemplary embodiments, strut 120 may be connected to one or moreopenings 76 in rail 58 of pallet base 38. As illustrated in theexemplary embodiment of FIG. 6C, strut 120 may have base portion 150 andextension portion 152. Base portion 150 of strut 120 may engage withrail 58 of pallet base 38. Extension portion 152 of strut 120 may engagewith rail 122 of pallet extension 82. Base portion 150 may include head154 and shank 156. Head 154 may be wider than shank 156. Head 154 ofbase portion 150 may be received in slot base 74 of slot 60 in rail 58.Head 154 may be disposed between rail base 62 and ledges 68. Shank 156may pass through neck 72 of slot 60 and/or openings 76 in rail 58. Shank156 may include one or more threaded portions 158. Shank 156 may passthrough washer 160, which may rest on top of ledges 68 of rail 58.Fastener 162 may also be threaded and may engage with a threaded portion158 of shank 156. Washer 160 and fastener 162 may cooperate to helpfirmly attach head 154 into slot 60 of rail 58. In some exemplaryembodiments, fastener 162 may be a lock nut. In other exemplaryembodiments, a lock nut (not shown) in addition to fastener 162 may beused to help ensure that head 154 is firmly attached into slot 60 ofrail 58.

As also illustrated in the exemplary embodiment of FIG. 6C, extensionportion 152 may include head 170 and shank 172. Head 170 may be widerthan shank 172. Head 170 of extension portion 152 may be received inslot base 140 of slot 126 in rail 122. Head 170 may be disposed betweenrail base 128 and ledges 134. Shank 172 may pass through neck 138 ofslot 126 in rail 122. Shank 172 may include a bore 174, which may bethreaded. Bore 174 may engage with at least one threaded portion 158 ofshank 156 of base portion 150. Strut 120 may have an adjustable lengthalong an axial direction of strut 120. For example, shank 172 may berotated to adjust a height of strut 120 and to ensure that head 170 isfirmly attached into slot 126 of rail 122. In one exemplary embodimentshank 172 may have a flange 176 extending radially outward from outersurface 178 of shank 172. Flange 176 may abut on ledges 134 of rail 122so that ledges 134 may be disposed between head 170 and flange 176.Strut 120 may be configured to transfer at least a portion of a weightof the packages loaded on pallet liner 40 to pallet base 38, therebyadding to the structural integrity and strength of the cargo pallet 30with the pallet extensions 82 to support a load of packages 180.

Although a particular geometry of strut 120 has been illustrated inFIGS. 6B and 6C, and described above, the scope of the presentdisclosure is not limited to the disclosed embodiment of strut 120.Pallet extensions 82 of pallet liner 40 may be connected to pallet base38 in many different ways. For example, in some exemplary embodiments, aunitary structural member may be fastened on one end to rail 58 ofpallet base 38 and on an opposite end to rail 122 of pallet extension 82via one or more fasteners. In another exemplary embodiment, the unitarystructural member may be welded or brazed to pallet base 38 and topallet extension 82. Many other types of structural supporting membersmay be interposed between pallet base 38 and pallet extensions 82 toprovide additional structural support to pallet extensions 82.

FIG. 7 illustrates cargo pallet 30 loaded with packages 180. Asillustrated in FIG. 7, packages 180 may be loaded so that packages 180may be stacked on liner upper surface 94 and support surfaces 102 ofpallet extensions 82. As also illustrated in FIG. 7, support surfaces102 allow the surface available for loading packages to be extendedbeyond liner upper surface 94. For example, as illustrated in FIG. 7,packages 182 and 184 may be supported on support surfaces 102 instead ofon liner upper surface 94. Additionally, packages 186 and 188, forexample, may be at least partially supported by support surfaces 102 ofpallet extensions 82. In some exemplary embodiments, a cargo net (notshown) may be placed over packages 180, 182, 184,186, and 188. The cargonet may be attached to attachment features (not shown) on one or more ofpallet base 38 and/or pallet extensions 82 to securely attach the cargonet to cargo pallet 30. The attachment features may take the form of,for example, hooks, fasteners, extendable belts or other types ofattachment features.

FIG. 8 illustrates an exploded perspective view of an exemplary cargopallet 200. Cargo pallet 200 includes pallet base 38, pallet liners 202and 204, and connectors 42, which have been omitted from FIG. 8 toimprove clarity. Pallet liners 202 and 204 may be positioned on palletbase 38. Positioning pallet liners 202 and 204 on pallet base 38 mayinclude placing pallet liners 202 and 204 on pallet base 38. Positioningpallet liners 202 and 204 on pallet base 38 may at least partiallydefine a space for receiving cargo. For example, pallet base 38 andpallet liners 202 and 204 may define a space in which packages 180 maybe arranged for loading in cargo hold 10. As illustrated in FIG. 8, andwith reference to FIG. 2, positioning one or more of pallet liners 202and 204 on pallet base 38 may increase the available space in which ashipper may stack packages 180 on cargo pallet 200. Additionally, palletliners 202 and 204 provide additional structural support on at least twosides of cargo pallet 200 so that packages 180 may be stacked on top ofeach other without the packages 180 falling from or being dislodged fromcargo pallet 200.

In one exemplary embodiment, pallet liners 202 and 204 may be detachably(or removably) connected to pallet base 38 via one or more connectors42. It is contemplated, however, that pallet liners 202 and 204 may befixedly attached to pallet base 38 by, for example, riveting, welding,brazing, with an adhesive, or by other means of attachment. It is alsocontemplated that in some exemplary embodiments, pallet liners 202 and204 may be positioned on pallet base 38 without being fixedly ordetachably connected to pallet base 38. Pallet liners 202 and 204 havebeen illustrated in FIG. 8 as having generally rectangular shapes. It iscontemplated, however, that pallet liners 202 and 204 may have anyshape. It is also contemplated that the shapes and sizes of pallet base38, pallet liner 202, and pallet liner 204 may be the same or different.

As illustrated in FIG. 8, pallet liner 202 may be positioned adjacentside 50 of pallet base 38. Pallet liner 204 may be disposed oppositepallet liner 202 and may be positioned adjacent side 48 of pallet base38. Pallet liners 202 and 204 may include pallet liner bases 206 and208, respectively. Pallet liner base 206 may be defined by sides 210,212, 214, and 216. Sides 210 and 212 may be spaced apart from each otherand disposed opposite each other. Likewise, sides 214 and 216 may bespaced apart from each other and disposed opposite each other. Sides 214and 216 may each connect sides 210 and 212. In one exemplary embodiment,sides 210 and 212 may be disposed generally parallel to each other andsides 214 and 216 may be disposed generally parallel to each other. Inanother exemplary embodiment as illustrated in FIG. 8, in which palletliner base 206 may have a generally rectangular shape, sides 210 and 212may be disposed generally perpendicular to sides 214 and 216.

Pallet liner base 208 may be defined by sides 220, 222, 224, and 226.Sides 220 and 222 may be spaced apart from each other and disposedopposite each other. Likewise, sides 224 and 226 may be spaced apartfrom each other and disposed opposite each other. Sides 224 and 226 mayeach connect sides 220 and 222. In one exemplary embodiment, sides 220and 222 may be disposed generally parallel to each other and sides 224and 226 may be disposed generally parallel to each other. In anotherexemplary embodiment as illustrated in FIG. 8, in which pallet linerbase 208 may have a generally rectangular shape, sides 220 and 222 maybe disposed generally perpendicular to sides 224 and 226.

In the exemplary embodiment illustrated in FIG. 8, side 214 of palletliner base 206 has been shown as abutting on side 226 of pallet linerbase 208. It is contemplated, however, that sides 214 and 226 may bespaced apart from each other and may be separated by a gap (not shown).It is contemplated that pallet liner bases may have equal or unequalareas.

Pallet liner bases 206 and 208 may include one or more notches 98. Asillustrated in the exemplary embodiment of FIG. 8, notches 98 may bedisposed along sides 210 and 212 of pallet liner base 206. Likewise,notches 98 may be disposed along sides 220 and 222 of pallet liner base208. A spacing between notches 98 on one or more of sides 210, 212, 220,and 222 may be uniform or non-uniform. It is also contemplated that anumber of notches 98 along one or more of sides 210, 212, 220, and 222may be equal or unequal. Notches 98 on opposing sides 210 and 212,and/or 220 and 222 may be disposed directly opposite each other or in astaggered arrangement relative to each other. As discussed above withrespect to cargo pallet 30, connectors 42 may engage with pallet base 38and notches 98 of pallet liner bases 206 and 208 to detachably attachpallet liners 202 and 204 to pallet base 38 in cargo pallet 200.

Pallet liner 202 may include pallet extension 232. Likewise, palletliner 204 may include pallet extension 234. Pallet extensions 232 and234 may be fixedly attached to pallet liner bases 206 and 208,respectively. As illustrated in the exemplary embodiment of FIG. 8,pallet extensions 232 and 234 may be disposed opposite each other andmay be spaced apart from each other. For example, pallet extension 232may be fixed to pallet liner base 206 at side 216 of pallet liner base206. Likewise, pallet extension 234 may be fixed to pallet liner base208 at side 224 of pallet liner base 208. Pallet extensions 232 and 234may include support surfaces 236 and 238, respectively, which maysupport one or more packages 180. As illustrated in FIG. 8, supportsurfaces 236 and 238 of pallet extensions 232 and 234, respectively maybe fixed to pallet liner bases 206 and 208 at sides 216 and 224,respectively. Pallet extension 232 and support surface 236 may at leastin part extend outwardly beyond a footprint of pallet liner base 206 andalso beyond a footprint of pallet base 38. In one exemplary embodimentas illustrated in FIG. 8, the footprint of pallet liner base 206 may bedefined by sides 210, 212, 214, and 216. Likewise, pallet extension 234and support surface 238 may at least in part extend outwardly beyond afootprint of pallet liner base 208 and also beyond a footprint of palletbase 38. In one exemplary embodiment as illustrated in FIG. 8, thefootprint of pallet liner base 208 may be defined by sides 220, 222,224, and 226.

As also illustrated in the exemplary embodiment of FIG. 8, palletextensions 232 and 234 and support surfaces 236 and 238, respectively,may be generally inclined relative to pallet liner bases 206 and 208,respectively. In one exemplary embodiment, pallet extension 232 andsupport surface 236 may be inclined at an angle ranging between about30° and about 45° relative to pallet liner base 206. Likewise, palletextension 234 and support surface 238 may be inclined at an angleranging between about 30° and about 45° relative to pallet liner base208. It is also contemplated that in some embodiments, pallet extensions232 and 234 and support surfaces 236 and 238 may be generally co-planarwith pallet liner bases 206 and 208, respectively. In yet otherexemplary embodiments, pallet extension 232 and support surface 236 maybe disposed generally perpendicular to pallet liner base 206, and/orpallet extension 234 and support surface 238 may be disposed generallyperpendicular to pallet liner base 208. In one exemplary embodiment asillustrated in FIG. 8, pallet extensions 232 and 234 and supportsurfaces 236 and 238 may have generally rectangular shapes. It iscontemplated, however, that pallet extensions 232 and 234 and supportsurfaces 236 and 238 may have triangular, polygonal, circular,elliptical, or other shapes. In some exemplary embodiments, palletextensions 232 and 234 may be connected only to pallet liner bases 206and 208, respectively, without being connected to any portion of palletbase 38. In other exemplary embodiments, one or both of palletextensions 232 and 234 may be connected to pallet base 38 via one ormore structural supports or struts 120. For example, pallet extension232 may be connected to rail 58 disposed on side 50 of pallet base 38,and pallet extension 234 may be connected to rail 58 disposed on side 48of pallet base 38.

FIG. 9 illustrates a perspective view of cargo pallet 250. Asillustrated in FIG. 9, cargo pallet 250 may include pallet base 38,pallet liner 252, and one or more connectors 42. Pallet liner 252 may bepositioned on pallet base 38. Positioning pallet liner 252 on palletbase 38 may include placing pallet liner 252 on pallet base 38.Positioning pallet liner 252 on pallet base 38 may at least partiallydefine a space for receiving cargo. For example, pallet base 38 andpallet liner 252 may define a space in which packages 180 may bearranged for loading in cargo hold 10. Positioning pallet liner 252 onpallet base 38 may increase the available space in which a shipper maystack packages 180 on cargo pallet 250. Additionally, pallet liner 252may provide additional structural support on at least two sides of cargopallet 250 so that packages 180 may be stacked on top of each otherwithout the packages 180 falling from or being dislodged from cargopallet 250.

In one exemplary embodiment as illustrated in FIG. 9, pallet liner 252may be detachably connected to pallet base 38 via one or more connectors42. It is contemplated, however, that pallet liner 252 may be fixedlyattached to pallet base 38 by, for example, riveting, welding, brazing,with an adhesive, or by any other means of attachment. It is alsocontemplated that in some exemplary embodiments, pallet liner 252 may bepositioned on pallet base 38 without being fixedly or detachablyconnected to pallet base 38. Pallet base 38 and pallet liner 252 havebeen illustrated in FIG. 9 as having generally rectangular shapes. It iscontemplated, however, that pallet base 38 and pallet liner 252 may haveany shape. It is also contemplated that a shape of pallet liner 252 maybe the same as or different from that of pallet base 38.

FIG. 10 illustrates an exploded perspective view of cargo pallet 250,showing pallet base 38 and pallet liner 252. Connectors 42 have beenomitted from FIG. 10 to improve clarity. Pallet liner 252 may includepallet liner base 254 and one or more pallet extensions, which may takethe form of platforms 256. In one exemplary embodiment as illustrated inFIG. 10, pallet liner base 254 may have a shape defined by sides 258,260, 262, and 264. Sides 258, 260, 262, and 264 may define an outerperiphery 266 of pallet liner base 254. Sides 258 and 260 may be spacedapart from each other and may be disposed opposite each other. Sides 262and 264 may also be spaced apart from each other and may be disposedopposite each other. Sides 262 and 264 may each connect sides 258 and260. In one exemplary embodiment, sides 258 and 260 may be disposedgenerally parallel to each other, and sides 262 and 264 may be disposedgenerally parallel to each other. In another exemplary embodiment asillustrated in FIG. 10, in which pallet liner base 254 may have agenerally rectangular shape, sides 258 and 260 may be disposed generallyperpendicular to sides 262 and 264. As also illustrated in the exemplaryembodiment of FIG. 10, sides 258, 260, 262, and 264 of pallet liner base254 may be disposed generally parallel to sides 44, 46, 48, and 50,respectively, of pallet base 38. Pallet liner base 254 may also includeliner upper surface 268 and liner lower surface 270, which may bedisposed opposite liner upper surface 268 of pallet base 38. In oneexemplary embodiment pallet liner 252 may be disposed on pallet base 38so that liner lower surface 270 may abut on upper surface 52 of palletbase 38. A size and shape of pallet liner base 254 may be about equal toor different from a size and shape of pallet base 38.

Pallet liner base 254 may include one or more notches 98. As illustratedin the exemplary embodiment of FIG. 10, notches 98 may be disposed alongsides 258 and 260 of pallet liner base 254. Notches 98 on pallet linerbase 254 may have a similar shape, structure, distribution, and functionas described above regarding notches 98 on pallet liner base 80. As alsoillustrated in the exemplary embodiment of FIG. 10, platforms 256 mayproject outward from an outer periphery 266 of pallet liner base 254.Platforms 256 may be fixedly attached to pallet liner base 254. Asillustrated in the exemplary embodiment of FIG. 10, platforms 256 may befixed to outer periphery 266 of pallet liner base 254 at each of sides262 and 264 of pallet liner base 254. Platforms 256 may at least in partextend outwardly beyond a footprint of pallet liner base 254 and alsobeyond a footprint of pallet base 38. In one exemplary embodiment asillustrated in FIG. 10, the footprint of pallet liner base 254 may bedefined by sides 258, 260, 262, and 264.

FIG. 11A illustrates a fragmentary cross-sectional view along axis B-B(see FIG. 9) of an exemplary embodiment of cargo pallet 250. Only oneplatform 256 is illustrated in FIG. 11A for clarity. Pallet liner base254 may be positioned on pallet base 38. As illustrated in the exemplaryembodiment of FIG. 11A, platform 256 may be attached only to palletliner base 254 without being connected to any portion of pallet base 38.Platform 256 may include side plate 272, support plate 274, wall 276,and seating member 278. Side plate 272 may be fixed to pallet liner base254 and may extend outwardly from pallet liner base 254 to side wall end280, which may be disposed outside periphery 266 of pallet liner base254. Side plate 272 may include outer surface 282. Side plate 272 andouter surface 282 of side plate 272 may be generally inclined relativeto pallet liner base 254. In one exemplary embodiment, side plate 272and outer surface 282 may be inclined at an angle ranging between about30° and about 45° relative to pallet liner base 254.

Support plate 274 may extend inwards from side wall end 280 towards acenter of pallet liner base 254. Support plate 274 may extend from sidewall end 280 to support plate end 284 which may lie within outerperiphery 266, between sides 262 and 264 of pallet liner base 254. Inone exemplary embodiment as illustrated in FIG. 11A, support plate 274may be disposed generally parallel to pallet liner base 254. It iscontemplated, however, that in some exemplary embodiments, support plate274 may be inclined relative to pallet liner base 254. Support plate 274may include support surface 286 which may be used to support and stackpackages 180 on platform 256. Support surface 286 may help increase anamount of space available on cargo pallet 250 for stacking packages 180.

Wall 276 may extend from support plate end 284 towards pallet liner base254. In one exemplary embodiment as illustrated in FIG. 11A, wall 276may be disposed generally perpendicular to pallet liner base 254. It iscontemplated, however, that in some exemplary embodiments, wall 276 maybe inclined relative to pallet liner base 254. Seating member 278 mayextend from wall 276. Seating member 278 may be disposed generallyparallel to pallet liner base 254. As illustrated in FIG. 11A, seatingmember 278 may abut on liner upper surface 268. In one exemplaryembodiment, side plate 272, support plate 274, wall 276, and seatingmember 278 may form a generally triangular shape, which may helpdistribute the loads and stresses generated due to a weight of packages180 stacked on to platform 256. As a result, no additional supportstructures connected between platform 256 and pallet base 38 may berequired to carry the weight of packages 180 stacked on platform 256. Inanother exemplary embodiment, pallet liner base 254, side plate 272,support plate 274, wall 276, and seating member 278 may be a unitaryintegrated structure. The unitary integrated structure may also help todistribute the loads and stresses generated due to a weight of packages180 stacked on to platform 256 such that no additional supportstructures connected between platform 256 and pallet base 38 may berequired to carry the weight of packages 180 stacked on platform 256. Inother exemplary embodiments, pallet liner base 254, side plate 272,support plate 274, wall 276, and seating member 278 may be fixedly ormovably attached to each other via fasteners, rivets, hinges, or otherattachment methods. It is also contemplated that platform 256 includingside plate 272, support plate 274, wall 276, and seating member 278 maybe separate from pallet liner base 254 and may be fixedly or detachablyattached to pallet liner base 254 via fasteners, rivets, hinges, orother attachment methods.

FIG. 11B illustrates a fragmentary cross-sectional view along axis B-B(see FIG. 9) of another exemplary embodiment of cargo pallet 250. Onlyone platform 256 is illustrated in FIG. 11B for clarity. As illustratedin FIG. 11B, pallet liner base 254 may be positioned on pallet base 38.Platform 256 may be fixed to pallet liner base 254 and may extendoutwardly from pallet liner base 254. Platform 256 may be connected topallet base 38 via one or more struts 120, which may be configured tosupport a weight of packages 180 loaded on pallet liner 252 and platform256. For example, platform 256 may be connected to rail 58 on one orboth of sides 48 and 50 of pallet base 38 via one or more struts 120. Asillustrated in FIG. 11B, platform 256 may include rail 122 disposed onouter surface 282 of side plate 272. Rail 122 of platform 256 may have asimilar shape, structure, and function like rail 58 of pallet extension82 discussed above in connection with FIGS. 6B and 6C.

Platform 256 of pallet liner 252 may be connected to pallet base 38 inmany different ways. For example, in some exemplary embodiments, aunitary structural member may be fastened on one end to rail 58 ofpallet base 38 and on an opposite end to rail 122 of platform 256 viaone or more fasteners. In another exemplary embodiment, the unitarystructural member may be welded or brazed on one end to rail 58 ofpallet base 38 and on an opposite end to side plate 272 of platform 256.Many other types of structural supporting members may be interposedbetween pallet base 38 and side plate 272 of platform 256 to provideadditional support to platform 256.

FIG. 12 illustrates an exploded perspective view of an exemplary cargopallet 300. Cargo pallet 300 includes pallet base 38, pallet liners 302and 304, and connectors 42, which have been omitted from FIG. 12 toimprove clarity. Pallet liners 302 and 304 may be positioned on palletbase 38. Positioning pallet liners 302 and 304 on pallet base 38 mayinclude placing pallet liners 302 and 304 on pallet base 38. Positioningpallet liners 302 and 304 on pallet base 38 may at least partiallydefine a space for receiving cargo. For example, pallet base 38 andpallet liners 302 and 304 may define a space in which packages 180 maybe arranged for loading in cargo hold 10. Positioning one or more ofpallet liners 302 and 304 on pallet base 38 may increase the availablespace in which a shipper may stack packages 180 on cargo pallet 300.Additionally, pallet liners 302 and 304 may provide additionalstructural support on at least two sides of cargo pallet 300 so thatpackages 180 may be stacked on top of each other without the packages180 falling from or being dislodged from cargo pallet 300.

In one exemplary embodiment, pallet liners 302 and 304 may be detachablyconnected to pallet base 38 via one or more connectors 42. It iscontemplated, however, that pallet liners 302 and 304 may be fixedlyattached to pallet base 38 by, for example, riveting, welding, brazing,with an adhesive, or by any other means of attachment. It is alsocontemplated that in some exemplary embodiments, pallet liners 302 and304 may be positioned on pallet base 38 without being fixedly ordetachably connected to pallet base 38. Pallet liners 302 and 304 havebeen illustrated in FIG. 12 as having generally rectangular shapes. Itis contemplated, however, that pallet liners 302 and 304 may have anyshape. It is also contemplated that the sizes and shapes of pallet base38, pallet liner 302, and pallet liner 304 may be the same or different.

As illustrated in FIG. 12, pallet liner 302 may be positioned adjacentside 50 of pallet base 38. Pallet liner 304 may be disposed oppositepallet liner 302 and may be positioned adjacent side 48 of pallet base38. Pallet liners 302 and 304 may include pallet liner bases 306 and308, respectively. Pallet liner base 306 may be defined by sides 310,312, 314, and 316. Sides 310 and 312 may be spaced apart from each otherand disposed opposite each other. Likewise, sides 314 and 316 may bespaced apart from each other and disposed opposite each other. Sides 314and 316 may each connect sides 310 and 312. In one exemplary embodiment,sides 310 and 312 may be disposed generally parallel to each other andsides 314 and 316 may be disposed generally parallel to each other. Inanother exemplary embodiment as illustrated in FIG. 12, in which palletliner base 306 has a generally rectangular shape, sides 310 and 312 maybe disposed generally perpendicular to sides 314 and 316.

Pallet liner base 308 may be defined by sides 320, 322, 324, and 326.Sides 320 and 322 may be spaced apart from each other and disposedopposite each other. Likewise, sides 324 and 326 may be spaced apartfrom each other and disposed opposite each other. Sides 324 and 326 mayeach connect sides 320 and 322. In one exemplary embodiment, sides 320and 322 may be disposed generally parallel to each other and sides 324and 326 may be disposed generally parallel to each other. In anotherexemplary embodiment as illustrated in FIG. 12, in which pallet linerbase 308 has a generally rectangular shape, sides 320 and 322 may bedisposed generally perpendicular to sides 224 and 226. It iscontemplated that sides 314 and 326 may abut on each other or be spacedapart from each other. Pallet liner bases 306 and 308 may have equal orunequal areas.

Pallet liner bases 306 and 308 may include one or more notches 98. Asillustrated in the exemplary embodiment of FIG. 12, notches 98 may bedisposed along sides 310 and 312 of pallet liner base 306. Likewise,notches 98 may be disposed along sides 320 and 322 of pallet liner base308. A spacing between notches 98 on one or more of sides 310, 312, 320,and 322 may be uniform or non-uniform. It is also contemplated that anumber of notches 98 along one or more of sides 310, 312, 320, and 322may be equal or unequal. Notches 98 on opposing sides 310 and 312,and/or 320 and 322 may be disposed directly opposite each other or in astaggered arrangement relative to each other. As discussed above withrespect to cargo pallet 30, connectors 42 may engage with pallet base 38and notches 98 of pallet liner bases 306 and 308 to detachably attachpallet liners 302 and 304 to pallet base 38 in cargo pallet 300.

Pallet liner 302 may include platform 332. Likewise, pallet liner 304may include platform 334. Platforms 332 and 334 may be fixedly attachedto pallet liner bases 306 and 308, respectively. As illustrated in theexemplary embodiment of FIG. 12, platforms 332 and 334 may be disposedopposite each other and may be spaced apart from each other. Forexample, platform 332 may be fixed to pallet liner base 306 at side 316of pallet liner base 306. Likewise, platform 334 may be fixed to palletliner base 308 at side 324 of pallet liner base 308. Platforms 332 and334 may include support surfaces 336 and 338, respectively, which maysupport one or more packages 180. As illustrated in FIG. 12, supportsurfaces 336 and 338 of platforms 332 and 334, respectively may be fixedto pallet liner bases 306 and 308 at sides 316 and 324, respectively.Platform 332 and support surface 336 may at least in part extendoutwardly beyond a footprint of pallet liner base 306 and also beyond afootprint of pallet base 38. In one exemplary embodiment as illustratedin FIG. 12, the footprint of pallet liner base 306 may be defined bysides 310, 312, 314, and 316. Platform 334 and support surface 338 mayat least in part extend outwardly beyond a footprint of pallet linerbase 308 and also beyond a footprint of pallet base 38. In one exemplaryembodiment as illustrated in FIG. 12, the footprint of pallet liner base308 may be defined by sides 320, 322, 324, and 326.

Each of platforms 332 and 334 may have a shape, structure, and functionsimilar to that of platform 256 described above. For example, asillustrated in FIG. 12, platform 332 may include side plate 342, supportplate 344, wall 346, and seating member 348, which may have a shape,structure, and function similar to that of side plate 272, support plate274, wall 276, and seating member 278, respectively, of platform 256.Likewise, platform 334 may include side plate 352, support plate 354,wall 356, and seating member 358, which may have the a shape, structure,and function similar to that of side plate 272, support plate 274, wall276, and seating member 278, respectively, of platform 256. Side plates342 and 352 of platforms 332 and 334, respectively, may be inclinedrelative to pallet liner bases 306 and 308, respectively. In oneexemplary embodiment, side plates 342 and 352 may be inclined at anangle ranging between about 30° and about 45° relative to pallet linerbases 306 and 308, respectively.

The disclosed cargo pallet includes pallet extensions that can increasethe support surface for a cargo load and can include shapes that fitwithin the cargo hold into which the cargo pallets are to be placed,once loaded. The cargo pallet can include a pallet base and a palletliner that can be placed onto the pallet base. The pallet extensions canbe part of the pallet base and can be sized and shaped so as to extendoutwardly beyond the footprint of the pallet base, once the pallet lineris placed on the pallet base. The pallet liner may be a single palletliner that is placed onto the entire top surface of the pallet base, orit can be formed of two or more pieces that can be placed onto thepallet base. The cargo pallet can include attachment features, such as abracket, to detachably connect the pallet liner (with its extensions)onto the pallet base. The cargo pallet can also include structuralcomponents, such as one or more struts, that permit the palletextensions to be supported by the integral structure of the palletliner, with its extension(s) and also by the pallet base, through thestruts or other structural supports. The strut can be adjustable tofurther refine the structural integrity and strength of the resultantcombination. The cargo pallet also includes attachment features, forexample on the exterior perimeter of the pallet base, which can beapplied to hold netting placed over the load of packages and materialsplaced onto the cargo pallet, before the cargo pallet is then loadedinto a cargo hold.

The disclosed cargo pallet and its components can be standardized andreadily stacked and stored, or transported, when not in use. Thecomponents can be arranged together to form cargo pallets for particularcargo holds and packaging applications. After the cargo pallets are usedto ship a given load, the components can be used again, as assembled, orcan be disassembled and stored, or transported, for later assembly anduse.

FIG. 13 illustrates a perspective view of cargo pallet 360. Asillustrated in FIG. 13, cargo pallet 360 may include pallet base 38 andplatforms 362 and 364 disposed opposite to and spaced apart from eachother. Platforms 362 and 364 may be positioned on pallet base 38.Positioning platforms 362 and 364 on pallet base 38 may at leastpartially define a space for receiving cargo. For example, pallet base38 and platforms 362 and 364 may define a space in which packages 180may be arranged for loading in cargo hold 10. Positioning platforms 362and 364 on pallet base 38 may increase the available space in which ashipper may stack packages 180 on cargo pallet 360. Additionally,platforms 362 and 364 may provide additional structural support on atleast two sides of cargo pallet 360 so that packages 180 may be stackedon top of each other without the packages 180 falling from or beingdislodged from cargo pallet 360.

In one exemplary embodiment as illustrated in FIG. 13, platforms 362 and364 may be detachably connected to pallet base 38 via one or moreconnectors 366. It is contemplated, however, that platforms 362 and 364may be fixedly attached to pallet base 38 by, for example, riveting,welding, brazing, with an adhesive, or by any other means of attachment.Platforms 362 and 364 have been illustrated in FIG. 13 as spanning anentire width of pallet base 38 along sides 48 and 50 of pallet base 38.It is contemplated, however, that platforms 362 and 364 may be longerthan or shorter than a width of pallet base 38. It is also contemplatedthat platforms 362 and 364 may be disposed along sides 44 and 46 ofpallet base 38. In some exemplary embodiments, platforms 362 or 364 maybe disposed along two or more of sides 44, 46, 48, and 50 of pallet base38. Sides 44, 46, 48, and 50 may define an outer periphery 384 of palletbase 38.

As illustrated in the exemplary embodiment of FIG. 13, platform 362 mayinclude side plate 372, support plate 374, end wall 376, platform base378, and side walls 380. Side plate 372 may be fixed to platform base378 and may extend outwardly from platform base 378 to side wall end382, which may be disposed outside periphery 384 of pallet base 38. Sideplate 372 may be generally inclined relative to pallet base 38. In oneexemplary embodiment, side plate 372 may be inclined at an angle rangingbetween about 30° and about 45° relative to pallet base 38.

Support plate 374 may be connected to side plate 372 and to side wallend 382 and may extend inward from side wall end 382 towards a center ofpallet base 38. Support plate 374 may extend from side wall end 382 tosupport plate end 386 which may lie within periphery 384, between sides48 and 50 of pallet base 38. In one exemplary embodiment as illustratedin FIG. 13, support plate 374 may be spaced apart from platform base 378and may be disposed generally parallel to platform base 378 and topallet base 38. It is contemplated, however, that in some exemplaryembodiments, support plate 374 may be inclined relative to platform base378 and/or pallet base 38. Support plate 374 may include support surface388 which may be used to support and stack packages 180 on platform 362.Support surface 388 may help increase an amount of space available oncargo pallet 360 for stacking packages 180.

End wall 376 may extend from support plate end 386 towards pallet base38. End wall 376 may be connected to support plate 374 and to platformbase 378. In one exemplary embodiment as illustrated in FIG. 13, endwall 376 may be disposed generally perpendicular to pallet base 38. Itis contemplated, however, that in some exemplary embodiments, end wall376 may be inclined relative to support plate 374 and/or pallet base 38.Platform base 378 may extend from end wall 376 to side plate 372.Platform base 378 may be disposed on pallet base 38. Side walls 380 maybe disposed on two opposite ends of platform 362 adjacent sides 44 and46 of pallet base 38. For example, as illustrated in FIG. 13, side walls380 may be attached to both ends of each of side plate 372, supportplate 374, end wall 376, and platform base 378, thereby forming anenclosed structure for platform 362.

In one exemplary embodiment as illustrated in FIG. 13, side plate 372,support plate 374, end wall 376, and platform base 378 may form agenerally trapezoidal shape, which may help distribute the loads andstresses generated due to a weight of packages 180 stacked on toplatform 362. As a result, no additional support structures connectedbetween platform 362 and pallet base 38 may be required to carry theweight of packages 180 stacked on platform 362. In some exemplaryembodiments, side plate 372, support plate 374, end wall 376, andplatform base 378 may be fixedly or movably attached to each other viafasteners, rivets, hinges, by welding, by brazing, or by otherattachment methods. It is also contemplated that platform 362 includingside plate 372, support plate 374, end wall 376, and platform base 378may be separate from pallet base 38 and may be fixedly or detachablyattached to pallet base 38 via fasteners, rivets, hinges, or otherattachment methods.

As further illustrated in the exemplary embodiment of FIG. 13, platform364 may include side plate 392, support plate 394, end wall 396,platform base 398, and side walls 400. Side plate 392 may be fixed toplatform base 398 and may extend outwardly from platform base 398 toside wall end 402, which may be disposed outside periphery 384 of palletbase 38. Side plate 392 may be generally inclined relative to palletbase 38. In one exemplary embodiment, side plate 392 may be inclined atan angle ranging between about 30° and about 45° relative to pallet base38.

Support plate 394 may be connected to side wall 392 and to side wall end400 and may extend inwards from side wall end 402 towards a center ofpallet base 38. Support plate 394 may extend from side wall end 402 tosupport plate end 406 which may lie within periphery 384, between sides48 and 50 of pallet base 38. In one exemplary embodiment as illustratedin FIG. 13, support plate 394 may be spaced apart from platform base 398and may be disposed generally parallel to platform base 398 and palletbase 38. It is contemplated, however, that in some exemplaryembodiments, support plate 394 may be inclined relative to platform base398 and/or pallet base 38. Support plate 394 may include support surface408 which may be used to support and stack packages 180 on platform 364.Support surface 408 may help increase an amount of space available oncargo pallet 360 for stacking packages 180.

End wall 396 may extend from support plate end 406 towards pallet base38. End wall 396 may be connected to support plate 394 and platform base398. In one exemplary embodiment as illustrated in FIG. 13, end wall 396may be disposed generally perpendicular to pallet base 38. It iscontemplated, however, that in some exemplary embodiments, end wall 396may be inclined relative to platform base 398 and/or pallet base 38.Platform base 398 may extend from end wall 396 to side plate 392.Platform base 398 may be disposed on pallet base 38. Side walls 400 maybe disposed on two opposite ends of platform 364 adjacent sides 44 and46 of pallet base 38. For example, as illustrated in FIG. 13, side walls400 may be attached on both ends of each of side plate 392, supportplate 394, end wall 396, and platform base 398 thereby forming anenclosed structure for platform 364.

In one exemplary embodiment as illustrated in FIG. 13, side plate 392,support plate 394, end wall 396, and platform base 398 may form agenerally trapezoidal shape, which may help distribute the loads andstresses generated due to a weight of packages 180 stacked on toplatform 364. As a result, no additional support structures connectedbetween platform 364 and pallet base 38 may be required to carry theweight of packages 180 stacked on platform 364. In one exemplaryembodiment, side plate 392, support plate 394, end wall 396, andplatform base 398 may be fixedly or movably attached to each other viafasteners, rivets, hinges, by welding, by brazing, or by otherattachment methods. It is also contemplated that platform 364 includingside plate 392, support plate 394, end wall 396, and platform base 398may be separate from pallet base 38 and may be fixedly or detachablyattached to pallet base 38 via fasteners, rivets, hinges, or otherattachment methods.

FIG. 14 illustrates a perspective view of cargo pallet 360. Asillustrated in FIG. 14, each of platforms 362 and 364 may include acargo net retainer 410. Cargo net retainer 410 may include endconnectors 412 and strap 414. End connectors 412 may be removablyattachable to projections (not shown) on side walls 380 and 400. In someexemplary embodiments end connectors 412 may be attached to side walls380 and 400 using one or more fasteners. End connectors 412 may beremovable from walls 380 and 400. Strap 414 may extend between endconnectors 412 attached to side walls 380 of platform 362. Likewise,strap 414 may extend between end connectors 412 attached to side walls400 of platform 364. In one exemplary embodiment, strap 414 may have avariable or extendable length. For example, strap 414 may be stretchableso as to tightly wrap around side plates 372 or 392 of platforms 362 and364, respectively. End connectors 412 and straps 414 may help attach andretain cargo netting (not shown) placed over packages 180 that may beloaded on to cargo pallet 360. It is contemplated that cargo netretainer 410 may be used with one or more of the exemplary disclosedcargo pallets 30, 200, 250, 300, or 360 described above.

FIG. 15 illustrates a magnified fragmentary view of side wall 400attached to pallet base 38 via an exemplary disclosed connector 366.Connector 366 may include bracket 420 and one or more of fasteners 424and 426. Bracket 420 may include pallet base portion 428 and platformportion 430. In one exemplary embodiment as illustrated in FIG. 15,pallet base portion 428 and platform portion 430 may both be planarplate like members, which may be disposed generally perpendicular toeach other, forming a generally L-shaped bracket 420. Pallet baseportion 428 may include an opening (not shown). Fastener 424 may passthrough openings 76 in rail 58 of pallet base 38, and through theopening in pallet base portion 428 to attach pallet base portion 428 ofbracket 420 to pallet base 38. Platform portion 430 of bracket 420 mayalso include one or more openings (not shown). Fasteners 426 may passthrough openings in platform portion 430 of bracket 420 and throughopenings (not shown) in side wall 400 of platform 364 to connectplatform portion 430 of bracket 420 to side wall 400. Thus, platform 364may be attached to platform base 38 by connecting bracket 420 to rail 58and side wall 400. FIG. 15 illustrates bracket 420 connecting side wall400 to rail 58 on side 44 of pallet base 38. It is contemplated thatbrackets 420 may also be used to connect side wall 400 to rail 58 onside 46 of pallet base 38. Likewise, it is contemplated that brackets420 may be used to connect side walls 380 of platform 362 to sides 44and 46 of pallet base 38.

In one exemplary embodiment as illustrated in FIG. 15, cargo pallet 360may also include support beam 430. Like bracket 420, support beam 430may include base portion 432 and platform portion 434. In one exemplaryembodiment as illustrated in FIG. 15, base portion 432 and platformportion 434 may both be planar plate like members, which may be disposedgenerally perpendicular to each other, thereby forming a generallyL-shaped support beam 430. Base portion 434 may include an opening (notshown). Fastener 436 may pass through openings 76 and/or slot 60 in rail58 on sides 44 and/or 46 of pallet base 38, and through the opening inbase portion 432 to attach base portion 432 of support beam 430 topallet base 38. In some exemplary embodiments, support beam 430 may alsobe attached to platform 364 via one or more fasteners (not shown). It iscontemplated that another support beam 430 may also be attached to rail58 on side 50 and may be connected to platform 362 via one or morefasteners. Brackets 420 and support beams 430 may help attach platforms362 and 364 to pallet base 38. Brackets 420 and support beams 430 mayalso help distribute the loads and stresses generated due to a weight ofpackages 180 stacked on to platforms 362 and 364 by transferring aportion of the weight to platform base 38.

It will be apparent to those skilled in the art that variousmodifications and variations can be made to the disclosed cargo pallets.Other embodiments will be apparent to those skilled in the art fromconsideration of the specification and practice of the disclosed cargopallets. It is intended that the specification and examples beconsidered as exemplary only, with a true scope being indicated by thefollowing claims and their equivalents.

1-25. (canceled)
 26. A cargo carrier, comprising: a base; a first shelfdisposed adjacent one end of the base; and a second shelf disposedadjacent an opposite end of the base, wherein each of the first shelfand the second shelf includes: a bottom wall disposed on the base; and asupport surface extending beyond a footprint of the base, the supportsurface being vertically spaced apart from and disposed generallyparallel to the bottom wall.
 27. The cargo carrier of claim 26, whereinthe bottom wall is fixedly attached to the base.
 28. The cargo carrierof claim 26, wherein each of the first shelf and the second shelfextends along a width of the base.
 29. The cargo carrier of claim 26,wherein each of the first shelf and the second shelf further includes: aside wall connecting the bottom wall and the support surface; and an endwall connecting the bottom wall and the support surface.
 30. The cargocarrier of claim 29, wherein the side wall is generally inclinedrelative to the bottom wall.
 31. The cargo carrier of claim 29, whereinthe end wall is generally perpendicular to the bottom wall.
 32. Thecargo carrier of claim 29, wherein the bottom wall, the side wall, theend wall, and the support surface are arranged such that a cross-sectionof the shelf has a generally trapezoidal shape.
 33. The cargo carrier ofclaim 29, wherein each of the first shelf and the second shelf extendsfrom a first end to a second end, and further includes: a first sidewall disposed at the first end, and a second side wall disposed at thesecond end.
 34. The cargo carrier of claim 33, further including a netretainer, opposite ends of the net retainer being attached to the firstand second side walls.
 35. The cargo carrier of claim 34, wherein thenet retainer includes: a strap; a first end connector attached to oneend of the strap; and a second end connector attached to an opposite endof the strap, wherein the first and second end connectors are detachablyconnectable to the first and second side walls.
 36. The cargo carrier ofclaim 26, further including: a first bracket configured to connect thefirst shelf to the base; and a second bracket configured to connect thesecond shelf to the base.
 37. The cargo carrier of claim 26 wherein thebase has a generally rectangular shape and the first shelf and thesecond shelf are attachable to the base along a width of the base. 38.The cargo carrier of claim 37, wherein a width of the shelf is aboutequal to the width of the base.
 39. A cargo carrier, comprising: a flatbase; a liner configured to be positioned on the flat base such that theliner overlaps at least a portion of the flat base; and a shelf disposedadjacent one edge of the flat base, the shelf including: a bottom walldisposed on the liner; a support surface extending beyond a footprint ofthe liner, the support surface being vertically spaced apart from theliner; and at least one wall connecting the bottom wall and the supportsurface.
 40. The cargo carrier of claim 39, wherein the at least onewall includes: a side wall connecting one end of the bottom wall and oneend of the support surface; and an end wall connecting an opposite endof the bottom wall and an opposite end of the support surface.
 41. Thecargo carrier of claim 39, wherein the shelf includes a side wallconnecting an edge of the liner and the support surface.
 42. The cargocarrier of claim 39, wherein the support surface is disposed generallyparallel to the bottom wall.
 43. The cargo carrier of claim 39, whereinthe shelf is a first shelf and the cargo carrier further includes asecond shelf disposed adjacent an opposite edge of the flat base. 44.The cargo carrier of claim 39, wherein the bottom wall is fixedlyattached to the liner.